Views of snowy Mt. Hood are the most famous feature of Lost Lake, but because of misty clouds we didn't get to see it this time. Pacific Rhododendrons are probably the second most famous item at this little lake, but Trilliums would be a close third. We found them on every walk we took from our campsite, blooming in lovely parts of three.
The trail around the lake is around 3 miles long. Since you didn't get to come with us, I thought I'd show you some of the things you missed.
Vine maples heavy with drops of mist.
We found a fallen tree that had a good amount of bounce to it. Each of the kids had a good ride. And yes, just as I snapped this picture a white dog came shooting up the trail out of no where just so he could get he could get his picture taken too. He almost looks like part of the snow bank, if you're not paying attention.
A bee squeezing into a Penstemon blossom.
A Red-breasted Sapsucker landed on the stump for us to view.
Tiger lilies placidly bounced on their stems in sunny spots along the way.
Twin flowers tiny bells carpet the shadowed forest floor.
Vanilla Leaf rests in deep shade with it's vanilla scented foliage and floral crown.
Wild Bleeding hearts shyly show their hearts above their finely disected leaves.
Mist covered fern frond unrolls as a moment of light finds it's way between clouds.
Droplets sparkle on a huckleberry leaf.
The watercolors of lupine buds rest the eye.
Skunk cabbage, known for it's famous oder, rises at great odds out of melting snow banks and swampy puddles.
Avalanche lilies grow in warming soils just after snow melt. Droplets cling to the petals as to an umbrella. Stamens stay dry and ready for visits from searching bees. A small insect rests on top in between showers.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Walk around Lost Lake
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5 bouquets of wildflowers (Comment here):
I'm so sorry I was out of town when you asked for information about northern Iowa. I hope you're checking your blog once in awhile! You are having an AWESOME vacation (obviously, you're blogging!) ;-)
Anyway, there are wonderful things in NE Iowa to see. The state is very diverse. Limestone bluffs line the Mississippi River and the NE corner of Iowa. You might be interested in visiting Effigy Mounds National Monument(the site of Indian burial mounds)in Allamakee County. There is a great visitor/information center as well as self-guided trails.
Three trout hatcheries are located in NE Iowa. At Decorah, Siewers Hatchery is 2 miles south of town; Manchester's is located four miles southeast of Manchester, just off of Highway 20; and the Big Spring Rearing Station is located 10 miles northwest of Elkader along the Turkey River. All office hours seem to be 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but visiting and viewing is sunrise to sunset.
Located in Spillville. a quaint Czech community, Bily Clocks boasts a collection of beautifully hand-carved clocks created by brothers. Very interesting!
I know there are many other interesting items to see, such as "Hayden Prairie" south of Lime Springs. How about Meridith Wilson museum in Mason City? (creator of "Music Man" and many songs) as well as their McNeider Art Museum http://www.visitmasoncityiowa.com/html/bil_baird.htm)
which houses all the Bil Baird puppets (includes those from Sound of Music!)Most days 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fossil and Prairie Park at Rockford (before Mason City). Here's a site: http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGM082-031
Lastly, here's a website listing all kinds of interesting things in NW Iowa: http://www.thingstodo.com/states/IA/northwest.htm
Elizabeth, Hope this is at all interesting, informational and TIMELY! Have a wonderful trip!!!
"Shady"
I loved the walk --- thank you!
LaTeaDah
those are all the sights and smells of my childhood --growing up east of Seattle in the foothills of the Cascade.
I tell ya - bout made me cry
Lovely post! Beautiful pictures!
Thanks for finding my blog and commenting! I just finally noticed it because it was on a past post. I love your pictures of wildflowers - such a diversity! It is always interesting to see the flora from other areas of the U.S. (I am in south-central Texas). Keep posting!
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